Morocco

At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this open debate. You could not have chosen a better topic to close the successful presidency of your friendly country, India, of the Council this month. I would also like to thank Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Eliasson for his clear and concise presentation of the report of the Secretary- General (S/2012/732), as well as Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN-Women; Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations; and Ms. Bineta Diop, President and Founder of Femmes Africa Solidarité, for their respective contributions. My delegation welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2012/732) and the adoption in October of the presidential statement on that issue (S/PRST/2012/23). The statement sent a strong message of the firm and ongoing commitment of the international community to helping women to become independent and to protecting their rights. Today's debate will allow us to take stock of the progress made in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), in particular with respect to strengthening women's involvement in decision-making processes and to mainstreaming gender into peacekeeping operations and training programmes for peacekeeping personnel.

The establishment of specific post-conflict strategies is imperative and must go hand in hand with the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). In that respect, particular attention must be focused on the participation of African women in peace negotiations, mediation efforts, electoral processes, constitutional commissions and truth and reconciliation entities. Because women are the most vulnerable and most targeted members of a population in conflict situations, they have an undeniable and precious contribution to make and value to add to peace negotiations and peacebuilding. Members of the Council will note that experience in West Africa and Haiti has shown that when women are associated with peace processes, they have been able to make a difference by bringing their sensitivity, creativity and commitment to bear not only on peace processes, but also on national reconcilation and socioeconomic reintegration.

My delegation also welcomes the action undertaken in the context of the on Joint Strategy on Gender and Mediation launched by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and UN-Women to enhance the competence of mediators in promoting women's involvement in mediation and peacebuilding processes. We further welcome the measures undertaken by the DPKO to protect women in armed conflict and to mainstream gender issues into peacekeeping. These initiatives of the DPKO and the Department of Political Affairs highlight the gender policy implemented by the Secretary-General since he took office, which has promoted undeniable progress to date. We commend the Secretary-General's determination to consolidate and pursue that policy.

In conclusion, the success of the international community in implementing resolution 1325 (2000) will depend on the political will to translate its provisions into reality and to ensure their implementation. The noble cause of women's independence and effective involvement in establishing and building peace is a longterm task. It is a vital and salutary mission, particularly in countries in or emerging from conflict, especially in Africa. It must be pursued and undertaken with resolve and success. The role played by Ms. Bachelet at the head of UN-Women is critical to that end, and we support her efforts in that area.